The Socorro Warriors football team’s offensive game picked up speed as they ran their plays and marched down the field last Friday during their homecoming game against the Estancia Bears. Still, the Warriors could not seem to close the deal on Friday night against the Estancia Bears, losing 8 – 54 for homecoming.

Susann Mikkelson/El Defensor Chieftain: Warrior Zeb Esquivel receives the ball for a touchdown as his defender stretches for the interception on Friday night when the Warriors played the Estancia Bears for homecoming. The Warriors lost the game 8 - 54, after a hard battle up and down the field, where the Warriors ran the ball, but just couldn’t quite reach the goal line.

On paper, the Warriors look bad. They are ranked 88th in the state, and last in their district and their division. They have 250 points scored against them, and only 86 total points scored this season. With three games left in regular play, the season end does not look promising for the Warriors.

On the field, there looks to be promise. The Warriors weakness continues to be their defense – including on the offensive line. Many of their linemen are young, but their blocking is improving some, so that the running backs have time to make their first downs.

The Warriors tackling seems to be improving slightly, but still has a long way to go to slow down their opponents.

Coach Cody Lee has told us all season that this is a building year. Though the team has eight seniors and nine juniors, they are rebuilding after losing some stars to graduation the last two years. Parents and other spectators attending every game may be frustrated with the lack of defense, but hopefully are also seeing the strides the team has made since game one. This truly is a building year.

The Warriors varsity team has a bye this week, while the junior varsity travels to Cleavland High School in Rio Rancho this evening; game time 7 p.m. The varsity will be in T or C to combat the Hot Springs Tigers at 7 p.m. on Oct. 25.